Would Iran having a Nuclear Bomb benefit India vis-a-vis Pakistan?

Yes

No

Can't Say

TEHRAN, February 17 (RIA Novosti) - Tehran hopes a trial run of the Bushehr nuclear power plant in southern Iran will take place before the end of this year, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Tuesday.

"The work to complete the construction of the nuclear power plant is proceeding as planned," Hasan Qashqavi said, citing Russian officials.

He added that Iran did not anticipate any "emergencies" that could prevent the plant's operation.

"Technical consultations with our Russian partners are ongoing, and we hope that the expectations of the entire Iranian people will not be disappointed - the NPP will be put into operation on time and will work for the benefit of our country," he said.

The head of Russia's state nuclear power corporation Rosatom said earlier this month the work was "moving according to schedule."

Sergei Kiriyenko said, however, that unforeseen obstacles were always possible, particularly, as the corporation was working to integrate "old equipment."

The construction of the Bushehr nuclear power plant was started in 1975 by German companies. However, the German firms stopped work after the imposition of a U.S. embargo on hi-tech supplies to Iran following the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the subsequent capture of the U.S. embassy in Tehran.

Russia signed a contract with Iran to finish the work on the plant in February 1998. The Bushehr project was originally scheduled go on line at the end of 2006, but the date has been pushed back several times. Russia has cited financial problems for the delay amid Western suspicions that Tehran could be seeking nuclear weapons. The Islamic Republic insists it needs its nuclear program to generate energy for non-military purposes.

Iran's Atomic Energy Organization said earlier the Bushehr plant was 94.8% complete. Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said it was due to go on stream in the first half of 2009.

TEHRAN, February 18 (RIA Novosti) - Iranian scientists have developed an unmanned aerial vehicle capable of reaching Israel, an Iranian news agency said on Wednesday, citing a senior military official.

Deputy Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi made the announcement on Tuesday and described the development as "an important achievement," the Fars news agency reported.

"However, we cannot disclose the details of this project at present," the official said.

The reported range of 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) would make it possible for the Iranian drone to reach Israel.

Iran launched a domestic arms development program after a U.S. weapons embargo was imposed during its 1980-88 war with Iraq. Since 1992, Iran has reportedly produced its own Saeqeh and Azarakhsh jet fighters, stealth-capable Ghadir submarine, missile boats, torpedoes, tanks and armored carrier vehicles.

Iranian Defense Minister Mostafa Mohammad Najjar said on January 27 that Iran had achieved self-sufficiency in manufacturing combat missiles of various modifications.

He added that Iran would continue to build up its defense capability to ensure regional stability and security.

"Our greater defense power is no threat to other countries," he said. "Iran only needs a system to deter and repulse possible external aggression against it."

Both Israel and the United States have refused to rule out the possibility of military action against Tehran over its failure to obey international nuclear non-proliferation demands.

Just because it has the range of 1000km, it doesn't make it a potent. Real question is how it will going to trespass countries like Iraq and Saudi Arabia, especially when both this countries have a signifiance presence of US and NATO and all their radar systems to track even a small bird. Why does Iran boost about its military achivement in such a open manner is beyond my purview, since Iran has targeted all this weapon system against those countries which are known as a forefathers in development of all such weapons.

The image was taken by Imagesat International Eros B satellite in mid-February 2009. The site has been monitored by satellite imagery since the beginning of the construction at the site in 2005. Most recently, construction has been progressed, with roofing being completed for supporting facilities and the construction of the reactor building’s domed containment structure has also been completed

The planned reactor, the IR-40, will have a power of 40 megawatts thermal (MWth) and use natural uranium oxide fuel, which will be made at Esfahan. Construction is scheduled to be complete in 2011 and the reactor will achieve critical stage in 2013

There is no room for Western concern over Russia's nuclear cooperation with Iran, says the head of the Rosatom State Atomic Corporation.

Sergei Kiriyenko, in a joint Wednesday press conference with head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization (AEO) Gholam-Reza Aqazadeh in Bushehr, addressed Western opposition to Moscow's nuclear cooperation with Tehran.

"Cooperation between Iran and Russia is based on international norms and conventions and it should be said that nothing is being done outside the non-proliferation framework," explained the Russian nuclear official in response to a question by Press TV's correspondent Gisoo Misha Ahmadi.

Kiriyenko added that those who seek to make excuses to hinder the Iranian nuclear program should "lose all hope as they witness the level of progress at the Bushehr power plant."

"Russia's cooperation with Iran in building the Bushehr power plant is not subject to any political games," he stressed.

The remarks came after Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki, in an interview with RIA Novosti, suggested the West had launched a misinformation campaign against the Iranian nuclear program to force an end to Russia's nuclear presence in Iran for competitive reasons.

"Certain powers have sought to question the nature of Tehran-Moscow nuclear cooperation. It should be noted that their objective is to vie with Russia for Iran's nuclear market," Mottaki said in early February.

The West argues that Iran has sufficient oil and gas reserves for power generation and that it therefore needs no nuclear reactors.

However, Kiriyenko said Russia believes that under the supervision of the UN nuclear watchdog and while observing the non-proliferation rules any country can avail itself of the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

"We believe that the structure in the Bushehr plant itself is in total conformity with the Non-Proliferation," said the Russian official.

He added that Russia's cooperation in building the Bushehr plant removes every doubt about Iran's nuclear intentions, as the whole project is transparent in its entirety.

"Anyone who thinks this project can be used for the proliferation of nuclear weapons can come here and see for themselves."

The start-up of the Bushehr plant is considered as a leap forward in Iran's efforts in developing nuclear technology, which the country insists it intends to use for peaceful purposes.

On the first day of the test run of the plant in the southwestern city of Bushehr Aqazadeh said the power plant would become operational in nearly seven months.

Without providing an exact timetable, the Iranian official said if the test stage goes "smoothly", the plant would become operational "sooner".

russia is a trustworthy partner no doubt but they are supporting iran for their own benefit. the increasing influence of america in the central asia and the presence of us bases in iraq and afganistan is not pleasing for russia.

its the great game part 2 cis states are rich in reserves and america wants to control the world natural resource together with surrounding russia and china also russia wants to keep america out of central asia.

the recent closure of base in cis is influenced by russia also they set up joint airdefence agreements with belarus,armenia,kazakstan so its not surprising that russia wants a strong iran to negate the american influence in neighbouring iraq.

True, Russian needs to keep out USA from as many places as it can, atleast from its neighborhood. Georgian war was a big message to USA and now Them shielding Iran is also a part of this. America has to play very carefully, because Iran has the upper hand now!

Frankly, I wouldnt want to see a nuclear Iran, but I feel they are destined to make the bomb!

BUSHEHR, Iran (CNN) -- Iran tested its first nuclear power plant Wednesday, a stride that prompted one Iranian technician to declare it was "independence day" for the Islamic republic.

Tests were carried out at the Bushehr nuclear power plant using "dummy" fuel rods, loaded with lead in place of enriched uranium to simulate nuclear fuel.

In a news release distributed to reporters at the scene, officials said the test measured the "pressure, temperature and flow rate" of the facility to make sure they were at appropriate levels.

Officials said the next test will use enriched uranium, but it's not clear when the test will be held or when the facility will be fully operational.

"Of course we're proud. Our power plant is on its way to being ready," engineer Mohsen Shirzai said. "We're definitely proud."

The test was observed by the head of the Russian nuclear agency, Sergei Kiriyenko, and the head of Iran's nuclear agency, Gholam Reza Aghazadeh. Iranian officials bused in around 70 journalists for the test run and a tour of parts of the power plant.

In 1998, the Iranian government signed a Russian company to a $1 billion contract to finish building the power plant. Construction of the plant began in 1974 under the late Shah of Iran, but it was halted at the start of the Islamic Revolution in 1979, and its completion has long been delayed.

Russia's nuclear power equipment and service export monopoly, Atomstroiexport, is building the plant under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency.

The United States, several European nations and Israel suspect Tehran has been trying to acquire the capacity to build nuclear weapons, but Iran has said its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes. Video Watch the world's reaction to the nuclear plant test »

Kiriyenko, quoted by Interfax, couldn't name the commissioning date of the nuclear power plant.

He also said that Russia and Iran were planning to sign a contract soon "for the delivery of nuclear fuel during a period of at least 10 years," Interfax reported.

Last week, the Washington-based Institute for Science and International Security released a report stating that Iran has reached "nuclear weapons breakout capability" -- it has enough uranium to make a nuclear bomb. The report was based on an analysis of IAEA data.

However, an IAEA official who asked not to be named cautioned against drawing such dramatic conclusions from the data, saying Iran's stock of low-enriched uranium would have to be turned into highly enriched uranium to be weapons-grade material. That hasn't been done, the official said.

Hassan Qashqavi, a spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry, denied accusations that Iran intends to make a nuclear bomb.
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"Based on our religion and our human values, we totally reject all kinds of using all these WMDs, weapons of mass destruction, especially nuclear bombs," Qashqavi said in an interview this week with CNN.

"We would like our Western friends to recognize our undeniable right to reach this technology peacefully," he added.

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak says he advocates a war on Iran, following the country's successful test-runs at the Bushehr power plant.

Tehran edged closer towards the final launch of a light-water reactor in the southern port of Bushehr on Wednesday, after it staged pre-commission operations at the 1000-megawatt reactor.

Simulated fuel rods made of lead were reportedly used instead of virtual nuclear fuel in the pilot operation, which was launched in the presence of Iranian and Russian dignitaries -- including Russian nuclear agency chief Sergei Kiriyenko.

While the incident was hailed in Iran as a huge leap in the construction of the country's first power reactor, the test-run immediately raised hackles in Israel.

In a direct reference to a possible military option, Barak urged Washington to consider "alternatives other than tougher sanctions" as a means to prevent a breakthrough in Iran's uranium enrichment.

"We believe the continuation of the Iranian atomic project is a potential danger for the existence of the state of Israel. Our position is clear. Sanctions are necessary but Israel does not rule out any option and suggests other countries do the same," Barak said Wednesday, AFP reported.

Tel Aviv continues to accuse Tehran of making preparations for a nuclear weapons program, calling on the Islamic Republic to halt its uranium enrichment program. Iran, however, says its enrichment program is a peaceful drive to produce nuclear energy.

The UN nuclear watchdog recently affirmed that the Islamic Republic is far from "a breakout capacity" to produce a bomb, "we think they (Iranians) are not there," said an IAEA official.

When Iran completed a successful test run of its nuclear power station in the city of Bushehr on February 25, it raised the level of concern in some Western countries, particularly in Israel. Outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert even went as far as issuing a threat, which many believe was directed at Iran: “We are a strong country, a very strong country, and we have at our disposal [military] capacities, the intensity of which are difficult to imagine,” Olmert told public radio.

Technically, Bushehr is not a real danger to Israel. In fact, it is no danger at all. Bushehr is a nuclear power plant just like any other. None of the nuclear fuel it will use or low-enriched uranium will come from Iran. It will all be supplied by Russia. Furthermore, all the spent fuel, some of which can be used for weapons purposes, will be taken away by Russia. The Russian government and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will count every drop of nuclear fuel entering and leaving Iran. Therefore Iran cannot use any of the equipment at Bushehr for its military nuclear program.

By raising such a hue and cry over Bushehr, the Israeli government is distracting the world’s attention from the real danger: the Iranian uranium enrichment plant at Natanz. That is where the danger lies and that is where the U.S. and Israel need to focus their attention. By crying “foul” every time Iran embarks on any nuclear activity, no matter how harmless (such as the case in Bushehr), both Israel and the U.S. could damage their credibility. They could also wear out the patience of the international community. After America’s inability to find WMDs in Iraq, Israel will have to be very careful how it portrays the Iranian threat. Overdoing it could damage its legitimate claims, and could turn it in to the boy who cried wolf too many times.

If Israel wants to legitimately direct its anger, it should be towards Moscow. It is the Russian government that has been hampering international efforts to impose tough sanctions against the Iranian government and its illegal enrichment activities in Natanz. For years, Moscow used its contract with the Iranians for Bushehr as leverage, in order to pressure Iran to not antagonize the West. Moscow used every excuse, and in some cases outright lies, to drag its feet over the completion of Bushehr. The Russians even went as far as citing lack of funds from Iran as an excuse. In reality, everyone knows that the Iranians had paid. However, Tehran couldn’t do much. It was dependent on Russia for this power plant, and all it could do was sit and watch the scheduled date for the completion of the plant slip by 10 years.

Washington, 26 February (IranVNC)—Iran and Russia have discussed a deal under which Moscow would deliver nuclear fuel to Iran’s first nuclear power plant at Bushehr for ten years, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported Wednesday.

The remarks were made by Sergei Kiriyenko, head of the Russian nuclear company Rosatom, during a joint news conference with Gholamreza Aghazadeh, director of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization.

“During talks we had today with Mr Aghazadeh, we also spoke about signing an agreement for delivering nuclear fuel to Iran for ten years,” Kiriyenko told reporters.

During his visit to the Russian-built Bushehr nuclear power plant in southwestern Iran, Kiriyenko said that Rosatom had completed construction of the plant, and was launching start-up operations.

For his part, Aghazadeh said that Iran planned to increase the number of active centrifuges enriching uranium from 6,000 to 50,000 within five years.

Enriched uranium can be used as a fuel for power plants and, if refined much further, can also provide material for nuclear bombs.

The United States, which is leading international efforts to curtail Iran’s nuclear drive, said yesterday that Tehran does not need a uranium enrichment capability, as Moscow is supplying the nuclear fuel.

“The fuel supply and spent fuel return arrangements that have been worked out between Iran and Russia are an appropriate mechanism for Iran to receive the benefits of the peaceful use of nuclear energy,” said State Department spokesperson, Robert Wood.

“And so it also, I think, demonstrates that Iran does not need to develop any kind of indigenous… uranium enrichment capacity,” he added.

Moscow and Tehran signed an agreement for Russia to supply the nuclear fuel for Bushehr, and for Iran to return spent nuclear fuel rods from the reactor, the BBC reported.

While the deal set out a time-frame for delivery of the fuel, officials did not disclose the dates, the BBC said.

Iran rejects Western allegations that it is seeking nuclear arms, insisting on the peaceful nature of its nuclear program.

Nuclear Iran is not a counter to Pakistan. Though they are not the best of friends and also there is this Shia Sunni divide between the two, its not a good idea for the world to allow Iran have nukes.
Obviously we are preaching here, but that is how it is. The bigger ramifications will be known later if Hamas, Hezbollah and through them AQ/Taliban get there hands on it. Again there is no link between the Hamas and AQ, we never know what happens in the terror world and when a lot of money is also at stake.

India is good friends with Iran. But it also is ruled by extremists. Even if Ahmedinejad goes tomorrow, it doesnt make a difference till we have the Ayotollahs calling all the shots in Iran.

My point is that even though there are Ayatollahs in Iran, they are not known to be extremists, not atleast against India and this is proved by the robust relationship we have with them.

But, I'm only talking about the India angle here... I personally feel it would be nice for Iran to have a couple of nukes just to keep Pakistan on the edge... of course, never enough to threaten the west significantly, but maybe just a couple of warheads would put the jitters in Islamabad...

Also, it would serve our encirclement policy of Pakistan just like China's encirclement policy of our country...

Also, Iran now seems to be focussing increasingly on development and isn't upto any nefarious activities outside of its support to Hamas and Hezbollah... So, I don't think he poses an immediate threat to India at least...

But, the Western angle ought to be explored here... I don't want to comment much because I don't have too much knowledge of it...

In international relations/strategy, we cannot have short sightedness. The world is paying today for the shortsightedness of the US in creating the AQ in its covert war against the USSR and also its turning a blind eye to the China Pak proliferation.
We cannot see nukes in the hands of Iran from just India's point of view. We have to see the big picture.
As far as I am concerned, I would love to see Indian troops in Afghanistan to keep Pakistan on the boil. Nothing can make it lose more sleep then. But thats a different topic.

Technically and legislatively speaking,post revolution Iran is no different from the Taliban ruled Afghanistan.most of the draconian legislative practices that the Taliban where loathed for,exists in Iran.however the extent of its enforcement remains muted because Iran's population is more educated and socially forward(thanks to the shah days)than Afghans were.

However Iran's nuclear ambition must be looked at from its historical context.Even though nationalism remains subdued like in most Islamic states,a nationalist undercurrent has always been present in Iran's internal political discourse.This nationalism goes back to the days of the Persian Qajar state in the late 19th century.

Due to succession of weak Qajar rulers,Persia lost lot of territories to both imperial Britain and Czarist Russia(also to turkey)and a series of humiliating treaties reduced Persia from a imperial power to a minor regional power.This political humiliation and efforts to redress it set the tone for various nationalist movement that Persia witnessed,right from the anti qajar movement to the rise of the Pahlavi,the nationalist govt in 1951 and finally the anti shah movement and the revolution.

In all this discourse the villain of the piece have been the European colonial powers,who first reduced Imperial Persia's territorial possessions and then reduced it a vassal state to finally physical occupation during the world war II.

Its easy to understand why Iranians see that its fair to see Iran restore her lost glory in the central Asian-middle eastern region and that the imperial west is opposed to such a restoration.There is a historical context to this suspicion.

Iranians see possessing the nuclear technology as symbolic restoration of Persian power.